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motif

noun

mō-ˈtēf How to pronounce motif (audio)
Definition of motifnext
1
as in theme
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pattern
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motif The feather earrings draw from Our Lady of Doves (1988), while one dress repeats a drawing of two boxers that is another recurring motif of Drexler’s appearing in color, Going Down, and black and white, On the Nose (both 1991). — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 After the new Twilight edition featured an apple blossom motif, and it was announced that New Moon — which will hit shelves in October— bears a bleeding heart, Eclipse will feature the moon flower, Ipomoea alba. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026 The rooms These hit everything on your bingo card for a stylish hotel room in 2024—there are brass light fixtures, rattan wardrobes, and art-deco curves and tier motifs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 From watermelon motifs and disco designs to mesmerizing cat-eye finishes, there’s something for every kind of fan. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
  1. theme
  2. pattern
  3. topic
  4. design
  5. matter
  6. question
Noun
  • The amount of business done between Premier League clubs quickly emerged as the defining theme of this summer’s transfer window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • At San Sebastián, the film is also in contention for the Sebastiane Award, an honor for films exploring LGBTQIA+ themes and experiences.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • This pattern is likely to continue away to Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week — Steele kept goal at Old Trafford for a 2-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup in January.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Many scientists, however, have expressed fears that solar geoengineering could have disastrous global implications, including dramatically altering weather patterns.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • This space is divided into several thematic areas to highlight the role that the university, its faculty, its students, and other folks affiliated with it have played in a range of topics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Know More Not all AI safety experts and advocates identify as effective altruists, and different groups working on the topic have disparate goals, funding, and membership.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Crsbr opens design options The researchers measured conversion across a microwave bandwidth of roughly 300 megahertz.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Roman design studio Roselli Architetti was enlisted to restore it into one building without forgetting its history; the result is a striking design that blends ancient artifacts with retro midcentury flooring and contemporary furnishings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Canada’s Competition Bureau have worked together for decades on cross-border antitrust matters, including merger reviews and investigations into potential anticompetitive conduct.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Gutman declined comment on the matter through a CBS News representative.
    — Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Clear information gives everyone a fair chance to ask questions and prevents resentment from filling in the missing details.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities were not immediately sure what caused the crash, and Cordero-Stutz declined to answer additional questions from reporters.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

mother wit
motif
motifs
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Cite this Entry

“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motif

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